The line is single-tracked between Hizen-Yamaguchi and Isahaya stations due to the coastal geography of the area making double-tracking prohibitively expensive. The "old route" is the branch of the Nagasaki Main Line between and via that existed before the opening of the new route. Prior to the opening of the new route, express and limited express trains ran on this section. Vestiges of this can be seen at and other stations along the route. The "new line" is the branch of the Nagasaki Main Line between and via through the Nagasaki Tunnel. It is electrified.
The Kamomelimited express operates on the Nagasaki Main Line. The merged Midori/Huis Ten Bosch limited express operates east of Hizen-Yamaguchi Station. Limited express trains travel over the new route between Isahaya and Urakami stations. Overnight sleeper trains, such as the Sakura and Akatsuki, were discontinued in 2008.
Regional trains
Other than trains that are operated on the entire Nagasaki Line, there are trains which operate in specific sections, such as from Tosu to Hizen-Kashima, and trains which continue on to other lines.
The new line from Isahaya to Nagasaki uses EMUs, but the old line, including direct trains to the Omura Line, uses DMUs. However, the rapid service train Seaside Liner, despite being a DMU, uses the new line.
WanmanDriver-only operation trains are operated on the entire Nagasaki Line. On the new line, the 817 seriesEMU is used, and on the old line, the KiHa 66, 67, and 200 DMUs are used.
All trains stop at stations marked "●", some stop at stations marked "▲". All trains pass stations marked "｜".
Double-tracked sections are marked "∥", single-tracked sections where trains may pass are marked "◇", and single-tracked sections where trains cannot pass are marked "｜".
New route (via Ichinuno)
"Rapid" refers to the Seaside Liner rapid service.
Local trains make all stops. For information on the Kamome and Midori limited express services consult their respective articles.
Old route (via Nagayo)
All stations located within Nagasaki Prefecture.
All trains make all stops.
Rolling stock
885 series
783 series
787 series
811 series
813 series
817 series
415 series
KiHa 66/67 DMUs
KiHa 200 DMUs
History
The Kyushu Railway Co. opened the Tosu - Saga section in 1891, extending it to Nagasaki via Haiki in 1898. In 1907, the Railway Nationalization Act was passed in Japan, nationalising all major railways. The Hizen-Yamaguchi - Isahaya direct line was opened in 1934, with the Hizen-Yamaguchi - Haiki section being renamed the Sasebo Line and the Haiki - Isahaya section the Omura Line. The Saga - Nabeshima section was the first to be duplicated in 1966, and by 1969 the Tosu - Hizen-Yamaguchi and Isahaya - Kikitsu sections were duplicated. The Urakami-Nagasaki section was duplicated in 1990. The 6173m Shin-Nagasaki tunnel and associated Kititsu - Urakami deviation opened in 1972, and the entire line was electrified in 1976. Freight services beyond Nabeshima ceased in 1999.
Former connecting lines
Saga station - The 24 km line to Setaka opened 1931-35, and closed in 1987. This line crossed three major watercourses by substantial bridges.
